Did you get (or buy) a new gaming PC for Christmas? Good for you!
If you’re new to things, we thought we’d give you a little guidance.
Gaming platforms
You’re pretty spoiled for choice in terms of platforms to game from. Here’s a quick summary of what’s now at your fingertips:
- Steam: Valve’s gaming platform is by far the most popular, and for good reason — it arguably presents the largest library of games at the cheapest prices. You can download Steam here.
- Origin: Origin is Electronic Arts’ gaming service. In addition to EA titles like Titanfall 2 and Battlefield 1, you’ll also be able to grab a number of other AAA titles here. Download Origin here.
- Uplay: Similarly, Uplay is Ubisoft’s gaming service. In addition to EA titles like Watch Dogs 2 and Steep, you’ll also be able to grab a number of other AAA titles here. Download Uplay here.
- GOG: Good Old Gaming, as you might expect, focuses on older, remastered titles, but also features content like The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt. Head to gog.com for more.
- GreenManGaming: The second-largest platform in the market, GreenManGaming also sells Steam keys — but sometimes, at a cheaper cost than on Steam itself. Head to greenmangaming.com for more.
- Itch.io: This service is full of indie titles of every sort, and games are available on a pay what you’d like system. Head to itch.io for more.
Virtual reality
Provided you’ve the rig that can support it, PC is perhaps the easiest way to get into virtual reality (VR).
Here are the different headsets available:
- Oculus Rift: The oldest, but not necessarily the best. Oculus Rift will set you back $920 AUD, though optional Touch controllers can add to that cost. Players can also stream Xbox One to the Rift. Get minimum specs here.
- HTC Vive: HTC’s kit is a bit pricey, retailing for close to $1400 AUD.
- Windows 10: Not yet available, Microsoft has paired with a number of third-party providers to create additional headsets.
For more on VR, head here.
Games
While most huge titles are cross platform across PC, Xbox One and PS4, the PC has a number of amazing exclusives that you should try out. In fact, we’ve just written about it — check out 2016’s best PC-exclusive titles here.
Enjoy!
This article may contain affiliate links, meaning we could earn a small commission if you click-through and make a purchase. Stevivor is an independent outlet and our journalism is in no way influenced by any advertiser or commercial initiative.